Teach First

With generative AI on the rise, schools serving the most deprived communities, are being left behind. That’s where EdTechnical led by Teach First ambassador Libby Hills, steps in. Libby says, “As a former teacher, I’m drawn to understanding how technology actually works in classrooms. Not the hype, but the reality.” “When generative AI emerged into the mainstream, I co-founded EdTechnical to cut through the noise with rigorous research and strategic investment in tools that actually help teachers and students.” Libby now helps busy educators navigate the space through EdTechnical’s podcast, which discusses practical applications of AI in education. EdTechnical is offering educators and school leaders the chance to win up to $2,500 (£1,900 equivalent) by contributing to the vital conversation on the future of AI in education. They’re seeking diverse perspectives and specific, evidenced-backed predictions to forecast AI’s impact on the sector by 2028. Enter by Tuesday 16 December and help rewrite the future of education. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dY_-2YPr.

Today’s #AutumnBudget makes a clear commitment to young people. It is hugely welcome to see the government’s decision to lift the two-child benefit cap, estimated to reduce the number of children living in poverty by 450,000 by 2029/30. This will make a significant difference to the lives of young people who have been held back by the effects of poverty for too long. It will also mean more young people come to school ready to learn and able to thrive in the classroom. The government has also announced additional support for the Youth Guarantee. A guarantee that every young person will be offered a college place, an apprenticeship, or tailored job support. We are pleased to see this focus, particularly as nearly one million young people are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET) according to figures published last week. We hope to see priority given to those from low-income communities, where investment will make the greatest difference. Our CEO James Toop said: “To build on this momentum, we must also ensure per-pupil funding is protected and that there is sustained, long-term investment in schools serving disadvantaged communities. This way every child has the chance to succeed and help build a thriving future workforce and economy.” Both announcements mark meaningful progress and are changes we have campaigned for as a charity. Together, we can end educational inequality and give every child the chance to rewrite their own future.

Last week’s findings should worry all of us. 👉 Three-quarters of pupils from low-income backgrounds worry about their future. 👉 Nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Sarah Smith MP, the government’s champion for the opportunity mission, is right to set out why action is needed ahead of today’s Budget and we fully support her calls for: 🎯 A Youth Guarantee that delivers first and foremost for the young people who need it most. 🤝 Employers stepping up - offering the work experience, apprenticeships, placements and mentoring that open real doors. 💷 Tackling child poverty so every young person can plan a future with confidence. If we want a stronger economy, we can’t keep wasting potential. Read her full piece here: https://lnkd.in/ei9p66Ea

Supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is a vital part of every teacher’s role, and it’s especially important for those at the beginning of their careers. That’s why we’re proud that our Early Career Training Programme (ECTP) includes dedicated support to help early career teachers (ECTs) build the knowledge, confidence and strategies they need to meet diverse needs in the classroom. Hear from Claire and Carys on how our new Early Career Training Programme helps teachers support pupils with additional needs: https://lnkd.in/eYnTt6En

👋 Meet Ailsa, a primary school teacher on our School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme. After studying costume design and working in theatres, Ailsa decided she wanted a new direction. “I got to a point where I wanted change… then I realised I wanted to work with younger children.” Looking for a practical way into teaching, she chose the SCITT route. “I wasn't in a position to go back to university full time. I felt a year working in a school was a better experience. It's hands-on rather than learning about teaching – you're seeing real life.” Ailsa is now employed full-time at the school she trained at. “From the day I started, I was very much welcomed and made to feel like one of the teachers. Now I'm employed at that school and I've got the benefit of having relationships with everybody already.” She says the support throughout was “brilliant from the first day I signed up,” with mentors who were “very welcoming and approachable.” 📚 Like Ailsa, you’ll train in a school near you, make a difference in your local community and learn from experts along the way. ✍️ Learn more: https://ow.ly/c8KP50Xq2xW

Whatever your role in the Teach First community, your voice matters. We’re refreshing our strategy and want you at the heart of it. Your insights have shaped our journey so far, and now they define what comes next. Not been able to join our live events? No problem. We’ve created a quick 10-minute questionnaire to hear you now. Take part before 8 December. Together, we can rewrite the future. 📲 https://lnkd.in/eACQY3Kz

Generative AI is changing the world around us, and it’s vital that every young person can benefit from this transformation. That starts with giving teachers the confidence and skills to use it responsibly. That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Deloitte and Connectr Early Engagement to launch the 'Trustworthy AI in Education' programme. Through this initiative, teachers and school leaders in 20 schools serving disadvantaged communities will gain the knowledge and tools to use AI effectively, unlocking new opportunities for their pupils and ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age. This week, we hosted the first of five virtual workshops, where teachers explored both the ethical considerations and the exciting opportunities AI brings to education. By promoting responsible AI adoption, we’re helping schools become more inclusive, effective and future-ready, so every young person can succeed in the future.

With one week to go before our Training Programme deadline, we caught up with Jess, a Teach First French and Spanish teacher. Just two years after starting the Training Programme, she’s already head of year and leading on pupil premium outcomes. “Roughly 40% of our children are on pupil premium and have been eligible for free school meals in the last five years, so the community is very much disadvantaged.” To help close that gap, Jess runs a mentoring programme for around 60 pupils, focusing on academic skills, well-being and resilience. “Once you give them that space, we find out that they're sharing a room with three siblings, and there's no Wi-Fi at home. And there's a gap. We can fill it. We can support them.” Reflecting on her journey, Jess says, “I took a long time to get to who I am as a teacher. My advice would be to trust the process, and trust that it will get better.” 📚 Like Jess, you can join our Training Programme and help inspire the next generation. Apply before 27 November. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eQZhUGZ2

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 🚀 🏫 We believe education is the foundation of progress. As generative AI rapidly transforms our world, empowering teachers with the tools and knowledge to navigate it responsibly is more critical than ever. That’s why we’re excited to launch the '𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧' programme in collaboration with Teach First and Connectr Early Engagement. It features industry SMEs and resources from Deloitte, Raspberry Pi Foundation and Teachmate. This initiative equips teachers and leaders in state schools serving disadvantaged communities with the skills to harness AI effectively, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution. Through five virtual workshops and mentoring sessions, participants will learn skills from building confidence in using AI tools to scaling the impact of it. 👉 If you’re a #TeachFirst partner school and want to register interest in future Teach First AI programmes or resources, please complete their form- https://deloi.tt/3XCDpg2 By addressing the #digitaldivide and promoting responsible AI adoption, we’re creating more inclusive, effective and future-ready schools. Together, we’re not just preparing for the future – we’re shaping it. 🌍 #DeloitteUKSocialImpact #AIForGood #EducationInnovation

🚨Nearly one million young people are not in education, employment or training - according to figures published today. James Toop, CEO, says, “It means futures grinding to a halt, with young people from low-income communities hardest hit, not because of a lack of talent but a lack of opportunity. “There can be no growth without supporting the next generation: helping young people stay in education, achieve and move into meaningful careers. “With one of the most anticipated Budgets in years just a week away, the Government has a real chance to turn this around. “That’s why any new education investment must be directed towards the communities and schools with the greatest need - where it can make the greatest difference.” 🗞️ Read more in The Independent: https://lnkd.in/eckBPb4y